I just returned home to Oakland after two fun days in Sacramento where I was lucky to attend a couple of events celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Republicans taking control of the State Assembly.  Ten years ago this month, Assemblyman Curt Pringle united his caucus and was elected speaker, giving then-Governor Pete Wilson a GOP majority to push through key conservative issues.  Today, Pringle is putting those same limited government, free market principles to work as mayor of the city of Anaheim.

The first event of the celebration was a reunion dinner of the personal staff who helped Pringle implement the policies of the new GOP majority.  Pringle fondly recalled the hard work of his team, thanking them for their dedication and ideas.  Others told stories of the good times working together, which included lots of breast-feeding jokes about Deborah Gonzalez (who gave birth shortly before Pringle took power and then promptly showed up to work, bringing her newborn with her.  Pringle then created a special breast-feeding room in the Capitol for working moms after Gonzalez related how in the past the state police had been called on her while she was using a breast pump in a State Capitol ladies room.) 

Pringle was joined at the reunion dinner by his lovely wife, Lexi.  Those attending the dinner included Jeff Flint, Mark and Kelly Watts, Deborah and Tony Gonzalez, Shawn and Jennifer Kent, Flo and Chris Kahn, Carolyn Jenson, fellow Flashreport blogger Matt Cunningham and his wife, Laura, Kerry Lee, Mark Reeder, Shannon Hood, Trish Flynn, Barbara McManaway, Matt Sarboraria, Matt Tennis and my husband, John Nelson.  FOP Kevin Sloat dropped by for a drink before the group sat down for dinner.

Last night, there was a great reception at the California Chamber of Commerce, with lots of GOP members from the class of 1996, as well as members of currently serving.  Current and former staff were there as well.  I was happy to have a chance to catch up with our next Attorney General, Senator Chuck Poochigian, Department of Finace Chief Deputy Director Anne Sheehan, fellow Deukemjian alum Randy Pollack (now with Livingston & Mattesich law firm) and many others.

It was so nice to see old friends and remember a time when Repubican control of Speaker’s Office and the Governor’s Office translated into real reforms to benefit the people of California.  These reforms included lower taxes, reduced regulations and a more open government.  In today’s world of Fabian Nunez and Don Perata, we’re more likely to see bills coming out of the legislature which increase taxes and increase the role of government in every aspect of our life.  But there are still bright minds working in the legislature, both members and staff, who believe in the principles and ideals that guided Pringle and Co. ten years ago.  Even without the power of the leadership offices, these folks are still working to limit government spending and growth.  Hopefully, one day, we’ll regain those offices again and fix the mess the Democrat-controlled Legislature has created.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 5th, 2006 at 12:00 am and is filed under Blog Posts.